Dog Stung by Bee

Ever seen a dog go from happy-go-lucky to instant confusion? One minute they’re chasing butterflies, and the next they’re yelping and pawing at their face because they got too close to a bee. It’s like nature’s way of saying, "Curiosity stings!" Let's talk about what happens when your dog gets stung by a bee and how you can help your furry friend feel better. (Spoiler alert! – no superhero cape required.)

Dogs are curious creatures. More curious than a human baby. With more than 100 million sensory receptors in their noses, the curiosity only gets accentuated. They end up wandering in search of the wonderful flower smell or sometimes just an insect. This ends up with them getting multiple stings on their closest body parts like the eyes, ears, nose and feet. Bee stings are one of them and can cause a lot of trouble for our innocent canines. 

While there are multiple cures to it, how would you know if your dog has gotten stung by a bee or any other insect for that matter?

Bee/Wasp Sting Symptoms on Dogs

If your dog has been a victim of a bee or wasp attack, here’s what you might see – ⁽¹⁾

Dog Bee Sting Treatment

If you notice one or some of the above symptoms, you can scan their bodies for a sting. If you find one, here’s what you need to do – 

Remember not to pinch or pull the sting out. There’s a chance of your dog getting an allergy. The symptoms will usually start to appear after 20 minutes. You need to keep an eye for the following symptoms – 

Immediately call your vet or take your dog to one if you notice any of these after the bee sting. Do not try to give any antihistamines to your dog. While some human antihistamines can be safe for your dog, others can cause severe harm to them and can even be fatal. Speak to a vet before doing so. The size of the dose will also depend on your dog’s size and weight. 

Dog Stung by Bee in the Mouth

A bee sting inside the mouth can cause some serious problems for your dog. The swelling can block the airway and make it difficult for them to breathe. It can also interfere with your dog’s swallowing. It may also lead to an allergic reaction in some dogs. Do contact your vet if you spot any sting bite inside the mouth. 

Dogs and Bee Stings - Are They Dangerous? 

Most bee stings will cause mild swelling and pain which will go away in a day or two. But if your dog is allergic to bee stings, it could be dangerous. They can experience an anaphylactic reaction. It is an immediate allergic reaction to a foreign substance, especially a foreign protein. If your dog has had multiple bee stings over time, their immune system is likely to get very sensitive to them. Signs of such a reaction could be facial swelling, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. You must consult a vet immediately if you see any. They will have to be hospitalized to normalize their blood pressure and maintain blood flow to their organs. ⁽²⁾

Wasp Sting on my Dog’s Paw - Is it Dangerous?

Getting stung on a paw by a wasp, or a bee may not be as serious as getting stung inside the mouth. With the steps listed above for curing the sting, you should be able to reduce the inflammation and thus the pain for your dog. 

More About Spot Pet Insurance

While you watch your dog and ensure your dog is cured of any sort of pain, let us help you with all the finances related to it. With pet health insurance, you can save up to 90% of the treatment costs. 

Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including; broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more. 

Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!